St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Harris Honoured With 19-Gun Military Salute at Taiwan’s Presidential Palace

On Apr 16, 2019

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TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan, April 16, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) rolled out the red carpet in honour of the visit by Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, who is on a five-day official visit to that country this week.

Prime Minister Harris, who arrived in Taiwan on Monday, April 15, was officially welcomed to the country with a 19-gun military salute by the Honour Guard comprised of Taiwan’s armed forces. The military salute took place at the Presidential Office Plaza.

The military honours ceremony was attended by officials representing the highest levels of the Taiwan government, including President Her Excellency Dr. Tsai Ing-wen; Vice President Chen Chien-jen; Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu and other ministers of government, as well as representatives of the country’s diplomatic and consular corps.

Prime Minister Harris stated that Tuesday’s impressive military display by the Taiwan Guard of Honour, is in his opinion, a clear representation of the strong bond of friendship that already exists between both countries.

“Ours is a diplomatic partnership that has spanned over 35 years and keeps growing stronger as we promote shared fundamental values, such as democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law. Indeed, our two countries may be far apart geographically, but importantly we align very closely on meaningful issues. Through cultural, educational and scientific exchange, as well as other impactful programmes, our countries have built an enduring legacy of cooperation that defies distance and embraces empathy. As a result, a sense of like-mindedness and mutual understanding permeates our longstanding relationship,” the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister said.

Dr. Harris reiterated to President Tsai and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) St. Kitts and Nevis’ highest esteem and support for their country.

“The Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) can count on St. Kitts and Nevis to bolster Taiwan’s effort to secure membership to international organizations and satisfy the aspirations of its people to contribute more to global solutions in meeting the challenges of development, peace and security,” the prime said, while adding that Taiwan has much to share with the international community “so it is therefore incumbent on the international community to welcome you and your tremendous potential for good.”

Prime Minister Harris will use the five-day visit here to further solidify the strong bond of trust and friendship between the Governments and peoples of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Prime Minister Harris and President Tsai engaged in friendly discussionsPrime Minister Harris and President Tsai stand with hands over hearts as the national anthems of St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan are played.